Antibacterial potential of Calotropis procera [flower] extract against various pathogens

Increased bacterial resistance towards commonly used antibiotics has become a debated issue all over the world in a last few decades. Due to this, consumer demand towards natural anti-microbial agents is increasing day by day

Natural anti-microbial agents have gained enormous attention as an alternative therapeutic agent in pharmaceutical industry

Current study is an effort to explore and identify a bactericidal potential of various solvent extracts of Calotropis procera flower

Flowers of C. procera were extracted with hexane, butanol, ethyl acetate and aqua to evaluate the antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method against the various human pathogens. The microorganisms used in this study includes Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coll [O157:H7], Micrococcus luteus KJBGE-IB20 [Gen Bank accession: JQ250612] and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] KIBGE-IB23 [Gen Bank accession: KC465400]

Zones of inhibition were observed against all four pathogenic strains. Fraction soluble in hexane showed broad spectrum of inhibition against all the studied pathogens. However, fractions soluble in ethyl acetate inhibited the growth of E. coll, MRSA, and M. luteus. In case of butanol and aqueous extracts only growth of M. luteus was inhibited. Results revealed that the flower extracts of C. procera have a potential to be used as an antibacterial agent against these pathogenic organisms

Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] gene expression in experimentally induced liver cirrhosis in rats

Angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] is a key player of Renin Angiotensin System [RAS], involved in conversion of active product, angiotensin-II. Alterations in RAS have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases involving heart, kidney, lung and liver. This study is designed to investigate the association of ACE gene expression in induction of liver cirrhosis in rats. Total 12 male albino Wistar rats were selected and divided in two groups. Control group received 0.9% NaCl, where as Test group received thioacidamide [TAA], dissolved in 0.9%NaCl, injected intraperitoneally at a dosage of 200mg/Kg of body weight, twice a week for 12 weeks. The rats were decapitated and blood sample was collected at the end of experimental period and used for liver functions, enzyme activity, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation estimations. Genomic DNA was isolated from excised tissue determine the ACE genotypes using specific primers. The ACE gene expression in liver tissue was assessed using the quantitative RTPCR method. The activity of ALT, total and direct bilirubin, SOD and CAT levels were significantly high [p<0.05] and level of MDA was significantly low [p<0.05] in TAA treated rats as compared to control rats. The ACE gene expression after 12 weeks TAA treatment in cirrhotic rats was significantly increased [p<0.05] in comparison to controls. This study describes the importance of RAS in the development of hepatic fibrosis and the benefits of modulation of this system ACE gene expression. The finding of major up-regulation of ACE in the experimental rat liver provides further insight into the complexities of the RAS and its regulation in liver injury. The development of specific modulators of ACE activity and function, in future, will help determine the role of ACE and its genetic variants in the pathophysiology of liver disease

Relationship between serum nitric oxide and sialic acid in coexisted diabetes, hypertension and nephropathy

This study was designed to study the relationship between serum nitric oxide and sialic acid in patients of diabetic nephropathy. Total 210 diabetic patients including 115 males and 95 females, suffering from diabetes and nephropathy [DN] were selected followed by informed consent and approval from institutional ethical committee. Equal number of age and sex matched normal healthy subjects were selected without any known history of hyperglycemia, hypertension and renal insufficiency as controls. Fasting blood samples from patients and controls were collected and analyzed for serum nitric oxide, sialic acid, fasting blood glucose [FBG], serum urea, creatinine, HbA1c and golmerular filtration rate [GFR]. The raised levels [p<0.05] of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, BMI, FBG, HbA1c, serum urea, creatinine and sialic acid were noted in DN patients as compared to controls. Significantly lower levels of GFR and serum nitric oxide [p<0.05] were observed in DN patients as compared to controls. Strong negative correlation was found between serum sialic acid and nitric oxide levels in patients diabetic nephropathy [p<0.05]. The relationship between the levels of serum nitric oxide and sialic acid may be considered as a strong biochemical indicator for micro and macro vascular complications of diabetes such as hypertension and nephropathy. These parameters should be taken into account during screening procedures regarding identifications of the diabetic patients to get them rid of progressive renal impairment to ESRD

Role of selenium in protection of liver cirrhosis

Selenium is an essential trace element and has been shown to protect the rats against dietary liver necrosis. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of selenium supplementation on different biochemical parameters in thioacetamide induced cirrhotic rats. For this purpose 24 male Albino wistar rats were divided into four groups [n=6]. Group 1, remained healthy control rats, Group 2, received thioacetamide [at a dose of 200mg/kg b.w, i.p, for 12 weeks, twice a week] in first phase and saline in second phase, Group 3, received thioacetamide [200mg/kg b.w, i.p for 12 weeks, twice a week] in first phase and sodium selenite [1mg/kg b.w, i.p. for 12 weeks, three times a week] in second phase and Group 4, received sodium selenite [1mg/kg b.w, i.p. for 12 weeks, three times a week] in first phase and saline in second phase. Biochemical analysis was evaluated by total and direct bilirubin, liver specific enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes. Marked increase in total and direct bilirubin and ALT activity was the indicative markers of liver cirrhosis while reduced antioxidant activity [SOD and GSH] and increased MDA and Catalase levels were observed in cirrhotic group. Sodium selenite supplementation markedly reduced total bilirubin and ALT activity and restored the antioxidant enzymes [SOD and GSH] and MDA and catalase activity. These results indicate that sodium selenite successively attenuates the thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis

Oxidative stress and total antioxidant status in acute leukemia at diagnosis and post remission induction phase

This study evaluated the activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD1], glutathione reductase [GR] and total antioxidant status [TAS] in the hemolysate and sera of patients with acute leukemia [AL] at diagnosis, post remission induction phase and in healthy controls. However, total antioxidant status and glutathione reductase activities normalized after remission induction phase in acute myeloid leukemia [AML] only whereas levels of SOD were reduced but not achieved the normal level in acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]. TAS activity showed no difference in either sex among any subtype of acute leukemia but glutathione reductase level was significantly higher in female ALL patients. Activity of SOD was elevated in T-cell ALL and acute myelomonocytic leukemia however; no significant difference in the activity of GR and TAS was noted. Levels of antioxidant were reduced insignificantly in patients who achieved complete remission

Vitamin D levels in patients of acute leukemia before and after remission-induction therapy

To determine the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin [25[OH]D3] in patients with acute leukemia and the effect of remission-induction chemotherapy. This study was case control, all newly diagnosed patients of acute leukemia between the age of one to sixty years and residents of Pakistan were enrolled and evaluated. Those who were unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent were excluded. All selected patients [n=86] were grouped in to acute myeloid leukemia [AML] and acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]. AML was further categorized as A1 before remission-induction [n=17] and B1 after remission induction [n=13], ALL was further categorized as A2 before remission-induction [n=31] and B2 after remission induction [n=25]. The 25-hydroxyvitamin [25[OH]D3] levels were measured in the sera of all patients [before and after remission-induction] by one step delayed chemiluminescent micro particle immunoassay [CMIA].We compared 25[OH]D3 levels in all patients before and after the remission-induction chemotherapy. A total of 86 patients were analyzed, in which 60 patients were male. Mean age was 24.39 years [range, 1 to 60 years]; the mean levels of 25[OH]D in group A1 [n=17] was 17.70 +/- 3.2 ng/ml, in group B1 [n=13] 14.06 +/- 2.4 ng/ml, 19.07 +/- 7.08 ng/ml in group A2 [n=31], while 10.59 +/- 3.9 ng/ml found in group B2 [n=25]. 25[OH]D3 insufficiency was evident subnormal in majority of patients with acute leukemia and 25[OH]D3 were further reduced after remission-induction as compared to untreated group, difference was statistically significant when compared with each group

Glycemic control, dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction in coexisted diabetes, hypertension and nephropathy

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that can lead to serious cardiovascular, renal, neurologic and retinal complications. Diabetes clustered with hypertension and nephropathy has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. This study describes diabetes, hypertension and nephropathy with reference to glycemic control, dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction indicating the foremost basis of morbidity and mortality world wide and rapidly progressing in Pakistan. Study subjects selected and divided in four groups [60 each] followed by institutional ethical approval and informed consent. Group 1: non-diabetic, normotensive control subjects; Group 2: diabetic, normotensive patients; Group 3: diabetic, hypertensive patients and Group 4: diabetic, hypertensive patients with nephropathy. Their fasting blood samples analyzed for the estimations of blood glucose, HbA1c, serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, urea, creatinine, nitric oxide and sialic acid levels. Results showed that all the groups showed significant rise in fasting blood glucose. Similarly HbA1c levels were also significantly high in all the patients as compared to controls. Group 2 showed significantly high serum cholesterol and LDL levels and low HDL levels. Group 3 and 4 showed significantly high serum triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL levels where as low HDL levels as compared to controls. Group 3 showed significantly high serum creatinine. Group 4 showed a significantly high serum urea and creatinine as compared to controls. Persistent albuminuria was characteristic in Group 4 patients. Significantly low production of serum nitric oxide with high concentration of serum sialic acid was observed in Group 3 and 4 as compared to controls. Results indicate a clear relationship of declining renal function with poor glycemic control, abnormal lipid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction and initiation of acute phase response in tissues affected from the microvascular complications of diabetes like hypertension and nephropathy. It must be taken into account while screening diabetic patients to get them rid of progressive renal impairment leading to end stage renal disease

Role of electrolytes disturbances and Na[+]-K[+]-ATPase in cisplatin-induced renal toxicity and effects of ethanolic extract of Cichorium intybus

Cisplatin is known by its toxicity by disturbing electrolytes homeostasis. Thus we aimed to find out the role of herbal plant Cichorium intybus on Cisplatin - induced toxicity. 24 male Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group I is termed as untreated control; Group II is Cisplatin control and received 3 mg/kg b.w.; i.p.; Group III received C. intybus ethanolic extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. orally for 10 consecutive days and Group IV is Cisplatin + C. intybus pretreated group. C. intybus is given 30 minutes prior to Cisplatin. Cisplatin-induced electrolytes disturbances is indicated by increase Intra-erythrocyte sodium content, decreased plasma magnesium, calcium and Intra-erythrocyte Na[+]-K[+]-ATPase which implicates the renal toxicity. At a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. of C. Intybus pretreatment showed partial counter action on the electrolytes imbalances and Na[+]-K[+]-ATPase activity

Electrolytes and Na+-K+-Atpase: potential risk factors for the development of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of death that affects more than 40% of diabetic patients. Its metabolic derangements are frequently accompanied with electrolyte imbalances. This study was aimed to evaluate the electrolyte homeostasis during the progression of diabetic nephropathy in various stages of developing nephropathy. Patients admitted in diabetic wards of various hospitals of Karachi were selected and divided into 4 groups with 50 individuals each. Group I [healthy normotensive, non-diabetics with normal renal functions as control]. Group II [diabetic patients with normal blood pressure and renal functions]. Group III [diabetic hypertensive patients without renal disease]. Group IV [diabetic nephropathy patients with nephropathy]. Their fasting blood samples were drawn and analyzed for the estimations of intra erythrocyte and serum electrolytes and Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Group II patients showed a significant increase in intra erythrocyte sodium, serum potassium and calcium levels where as intra erythrocyte potassium, Na+-K+-ATPase, serum sodium and magnesium were significantly decreased as compared to control. Group III showed a significant rise in intra erythrocyte sodium levels but intra erythrocyte potassium, Na+-K+-ATPase, serum sodium, calcium and magnesium were significantly lowered as compared to control. Group IV revealed a significant increase in intra erythrocyte sodium and significant decrease in intra erythrocyte potassium, Na+-K+-ATPase, serum sodium, calcium and magnesium levels as compared to control. The results suggest the progressive trends in electrolyte abnormalities in diabetes mellitus leading to end stage renal disease along with the abnormality of their chief transport mechanism. It points towards the potentiality of electrolytes disturbances as indicators for the progression of diabetic nephropathy and also beneficial in prognosis and treatment of the disease

Protective role of sodium selenite on cisplatin induced oxidative and renal stress

Cisplatin is one of the most commonly used antineoplastic agents. Free oxygen radicals are known to play a major role in cisplatin induced renal and oxidative stress. Sodium selenite as an exogenous source of selenium is used for endogenous selenoprotein synthesis to scavenge the free radicals. The study was designed to investigate the possible protective role of sodium selenite in cisplatin induced renal stress, by using biochemical approaches. Adult male Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received distilled water; sodium selenite group received only sodium selenite [1 mg / kg]; cisplatin group received only cisplatin [3 mg / kg]; cisplatin+ sodium selenite group received sodium selenite [1 mg / kg] for 5 alternate days before cisplatin [3 mg / kg] administration. The effects of sodium selenite on cisplatin-induced oxidative and renal stress were evaluated by plasma creatinine, urea, malondialdehyde, nitrate; kidney tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Administration of cisplatin induced significant increases in plasma creatinine, urea and nitrate concentrations showing renal stress. Cisplatin also induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased kidney tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde, and reduced activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Furthermore, treatment with cisplatin caused a marked elevation of kidney weight and decreased body weight. Sodium selenite pretreatment markedly reduced elevated plasma creatinine, urea and nitrate levels and counteracted the deleterious effects of cisplatin on oxidative stress markers. These results indicate that the sodium selenite might have a protective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat

Lipid profile and serum insulin levels in gastational diabetes

To evaluate the glucose intolerance, insulin, and lipid profile in women who developed gestational Diabetes, compared to healthy pregnancy. Observational study. One hundred pregnant women, 50 healthy as control group and 50 already diagnosed gestational diabetic women as study group were selected. Plasma fasting [FBS] and post prandial glucose [RBS], serum insulin and serum lipid profile [total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol] of both were monitored. Mean values were compared using t-test. Mean FBS [124.76 +/- 4.22 vs. 90.06 +/- 1.20 mg/dl], mean RBS [221.38 +/- 6.68 vs. 120.32 +/- 1.97 mg/dl], insulin [32.10 +/- 0.83 vs. 17.88 +/- 0.54 micro IU/ml], mean cholesterol [216.60 +/- 5.87 vs. 166.38 +/- 3.19 mg/dl], mean triglycerides [189.36 +/- 6.76 vs. 106.28 +/- 2.85 mg/dl], LDL-cholesterol [131.08 +/- 4.73 vs. 102.48 +/- 2.18 mg/dl] and total lipids [825.24 +/- 16.92 vs. 653.96 +/- 15.40 mg/dl] were higher in GDM groups as compared to normal controls [p<0.01]. Mean HDL-cholesterol [41.24 +/- 0.65 vs. 48.34 +/- 0.66 mg/dl] showed significantly lower concentration in GDM group as compared to controls [p<0.01]. Mean insulin and lipid levels, except HDL-cholesterol, were significantly higher in gestational diabetics compared to controls

Pre-eclampsia and lipid profile

The present study was designed to evaluate the role of lipid profile alteration in the development of Pre-eclampsia. We selected 32 pregnant women, 16 healthy pregnant women [mean age 25.56 +/- 3.68] as normal and 16 already diagnosed preeclamptic women [mean age 24.65 +/- 4.25] as study group. Serum lipid profile [total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol] of thirty two women with Pre-eclampsia [n=16], normotensive women [n=16] were monitored. The serum triglyceride concentrations increased significantly [232.18 +/- 106.41 vs. 113.12 +/- 21.3, P<0.01] while Serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly [39.75 +/- 11.99 vs. 51.18 +/- 06.09, P<0.01] in preeclamptic group as compared to normal pregnant women. Lipid metabolism plays a key role in the pathophysiology of Pre-eclampsia. Increased triglycerides levels along with decreased HDL-cholesterol levels and delayed triglycerides clearance and high blood pressure are associated with development of preeclampsia

Clinical correlation between frequent risk factors of diabetic nephropathy and serum sialic acid

It has been recently established that serum sialic acid is a potent cardiovascular and renal risk factor in the general population and elevated in diabetic type 2 patients. This study was designed to assess the coexistence of frequently documented risk factors of diabetic nephropathy with serum sialic acid. A total of 100 diabetic patients [50 with and 50 without nephropathy] aged 47.56 +/- 10.68 [mean +/- SD] years attending several diabetic clinics in the private sector in Karachi were included after informed consent was obtained. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded by standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Fasting blood samples were collected for estimations of blood glucose, HbA1c, serum urea, creatinine and sialic acid levels. Serum sialic acid, glucose, HbA1c, urea and creatinine levels were increased significantly [P<0.01] in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared to diabetic patients without nephropathy. Regression and correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between serum sialic acid and fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, serum urea and creatinine levels. Body Mass Index and blood pressure were also significantly higher in diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy compared to those without nephropathy. Fifty four percent of diabetic nephropathy patients were smokers compared with 41% of patients in the control group [diabetic patients without nephropathy]. It is concluded that elevated serum sialic acid level is strongly associated with the presence of nephropathy, a microvascular complications of diabetes. As there is a significant unvaried link between serum sialic acid and diabetic nephropathy, consideration of sialic acid as potent disease marker for diabetic nephropathy is justified

Ionic and allied variations in normotensive and hypertensive diabetic patients

To investigate the disturbances of serum and red cell electrolytes in association with membrane Na[+]-K[+]- ATPase activity as well as the status of serum Urea, Creatinine and osmolality in normotensive diabetic and hypertensive diabetic patients. Thirty normotensive and thirty hypertensive patients [age and sex matched] were selected along with thirty control subjects. Erythrocytes were isolated from freshly drawn blood samples, washed and used for the estimation of sodium and potassium concentrations using flame photometer [Corning 410]. Erythrocyte membranes were prepared for the estimation of Na[+]-K+-ATPase activity in terms of inorganic phosphate released/mg protein/hour. Serum glucose, creatinine and urea were determined by well-documented ortho toulidine, Jaffe's and diacetyl monoxime methods respectively. Osmomat 030 was used to estimate the plasma osmolality. The intra-erythrocyte sodium, serum glucose, urea, creatinine and osmolality were increased significantly in hypertensive diabetic patients as compared to normotensive diabetic patients whereas Na+-K+-ATPase activity, serum sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium were decreased significantly in hypertensive diabetic patients as compared to normotensive diabetic patients. Results confirmed that there is a significant difference between normotensive and hypertensive diabetic patients with respect to their electrolyte metabolism and associated pathways. These results will notably help the physicians to treat diabetic patients with associated morbidity like hypertension

Electrolytes and sodium transport mechanism in diabetes mellitus

The metabolic derangements and disturbances and their consequences in diabetes mellitus are well known more or less in details too. However, knowledge on the diabetic disorders in membrane functions and transport mechanisms is limited which is an essential factor in progression of the disease. Serum electrolytes were measured by flame photometer [Corning 410] and spectrophotometer [Spectro SC] in 60 diabetic patients with stable glycemic control [aged 38 +/- 2.5 years] and in 60 age-matched normal subjects with no known history of hyperglycemia as control. Erythrocytes were isolated from samples, washed and used for the estimation of sodium and potassium concentrations using flame photometer. Erythrocyte membranes were prepared for the estimation of Na+K+ATPase activity in terms of inorganic phosphate released/mg protein/hour. Na+K+ATPase activity, Intra-erythrocyte potassium and serum magnesium levels were significantly low in diabetic patients than in the controls. Serum and intra-erythrocyte sodium and serum potassium levels were increased significantly in patients as compared to control subjects. A significant effect of sex and interaction was observed on serum sodium, potassium and magnesium. A significant effect of sex, disease and interaction on red cell sodium, potassium and Na+K+ATPase activity was observed in male and female subjects. Na+K+ATPase dysfunction and changes in intra-erythrocyte and serum sodium, potassium and magnesium induced by diabetes may be implicated in the pathogenesis of neuropathy, nephropathy and vascular diseases in humans. It is suggested that male diabetic patients are at high risk of diabetic complications than females

Blood pressure lowering effects of antenolol in rats: role of Na-K-ATPase, serum, red cell and tissue electrolytes

Beta adrenoceptor blocking drugs have been shown to decrease the incidence of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary artery disease. Although the blood pressure lowering effect of atenolol is studied through hormonal mechanisms. There is no specific study available regarding the role of electrolyte alterations in blood pressure lowering effects of atenolol. The present work was designed to investigate the role of serum, red cell and tissue electrolytes and Na-K-ATPase in blood pressure lowering effects of atenolol [a beta blocking drug]. Rats were divided into two experimental groups. Atenolol [4mg/kg body weight] was administered intraperitoneally to the test group. Control group received same volume of vehicle. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced after atenolol administration. An increased membrane Na-K-ATPase activity was observed after atenolol administration. Atenolol treatment decreases sodium and increase potassium in red blood cells. Concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium was increased in serum after atenolol treatment. Atenolol treatment decreases sodium and calcium content in heart and kidney tissues whereas an increased content of potassium was observed in these tissue. The results reported in the present study suggest that apart from hormonal mechanism an alteration in electrolytes levels in red cell, serum, heart and kidney tissues and membrane Na-K-ATPase are associated with the blood pressure lowering effect of atenolol. The role of increased activity of Na-K-ATPase in the changes of sodium and potassium in red cell, serum, kidney and heart tissue after atenolol administration is discussed

Altered element concentration in serum, heart, liver and kidney tissues after epinephrine administration in rats

The effect of epinephrine administration [1 mg/kg body weight] on trace elements and electrolytes levels of serum, liver, heart and kidney tissues was studied in rats. Epinephrine administration decreased sodium, potassium and calcium in heart, liver and kidney tissues. A significant elevation in copper and zinc levels of serum, heart and kidney tissues was observed in epinephrine injected rats. Iron content was significantly decreased in serum and kidney tissue whereas in liver tissue significant elevation was observed after epinephrine administration. The results suggested that epinephrine administration causes alterations in element concentration both in serum and tissues. The results may help towards an understanding of the relationship between elevated catecholamine levels in emotional stress condition and sudden death through a process of altered elements concentration

Effect of adrenaline on serum and tissue electrolytes

The effect of adrenaline on electrolytes was determined in rats. Animals were injected adrenaline [1 mg/kg] intraperitoneally. One hour after injection serum, kidney and brain were analyzed for sodium, potassium and calcium. Administration of adrenaline causes an increased level of sodium in liver and kidney whereas a decreased concentration was observed in brain and serum. Concentration of potassium and calcium was found to decrease in serum, liver, kidney and brain. In conclusion adrenaline administration causes hyponatraemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcaemia and a decrease of these electrolytes in tissues